[CHM 331] Re: Problem 30 question

[Andrew J. Pounds]

  On 09/18/2011 11:43 PM, wrote:
>
> Dr. Pounds,
>
> I am stuck on problem 30 from the book.  I am having trouble 
> integrating <x^2>.  I have attached what I have started in 
> mathmatica.  Can you help point me in the right direction?
>
> Thanks,
>
>
First -- remember that this in an even function times and even function 
-- which will result in an even function being integrated.  In the case 
of integrating an even function one normally changes the limits of 
integration to [0,Infinity] and multiplies the result by two.  You can 
then use the definite integrals from page 887 of your textbook or from 
the more complete set in your Steiner text.  Altenatively you can ask 
Mathematica to do it

Something like this might work better that what you have asked 
Mathematica to do...

Integrate[ x^4 * Exp[- \[Alpha] x^2], {x, 0, Infinity}]



-- 
Andrew J. Pounds, Ph.D.  (pounds at theochem.mercer.edu)
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Computer Science
Mercer University,  Macon, GA 31207   (478) 301-5627

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